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Western Civilization (history 101) The period between 1789 - 1918 is marked by struggle between three opposing philosophies: liberalism, nationalism and irrationality, which often took form of armed conflicts. Our modern society is a result of those trials and tribulations that Western civilization went through during nineteenth and beginning of twentieth centuries. The French revolution wasnt just about changing form of government from monarchic to republican, it was also about changing the way people used to percept surrounding reality. The ideas of equality and freedom laid ground to what we associate now with liberalism.
But since it was being largely done with the help of guillotine, some people began to doubt the validity of ideas that were behind French revolution. They suggested that equality among people could never be accomplished, as this would mean opposing the laws of nature. German philosopher Schopenhauer has effectively proven that what defines the development of Western civilization, is blind will to survive and procreate. Friedrich Nietzsche had taken this idea even further, suggesting that this will could be the best described as will to dominate. The events of French revolution has led many people to think that even rational ideas behind political philosophies are driven by irrational impulses.
John Locke in now considered being a pioneer of what we refer to as irrationality. This philosophy takes a skeptical approach towards liberalism as well. It argues the history of Western civilization cannot be described as continuous progress but rather spiral movement, where people keep on rediscovering ideas of justice, although under different disguises. Oswald Spengler in his Decline of West suggested that once liberal ideas gain prominence in every particular country, it means that countrys culture turned into mechanical civilization, which signifies that decline of such civilization, would soon follow.
This play is an imaginary conversation that took place at the beginning of World War One between Hitler, Voltaire and Sigmund Freud, after theyve met for a cup of tea. Hitler: Cant say it gives me a big pleasure to be meeting with prophets of Enlightment and Psychoanalysis, yet Im kind of intrigued, especially given the fact that both of you people are dead. Voltaire: Although, technically Im dead, but my spirit is still very much alive I proudly consider my philosophy of enlightenment and progress to be a forerunner of international Communism, which will soon take over the whole world, so people can coexist peacefully while working for food. Freud: As much as I hate aggressive nationalism, I also consider liberalism and enlightenment as such that lead humankind to a dead end. Hitler: Both of you people are wrong, Voltaire tries to conceal his political ambitions while appearing as prophet of international brotherhood and you Freud, is nothing but a sick Jew who think that your observations of mentally retarded people at psychiatric clinic in Vienna, can be applied to explain inner drives of normal members of society.
Freud: Sexuality is what defines people, let me explain it to you in details: when were kids, were in an anal stage of our development Voltaire: Ha ha Please dont go any further; do you seriously believe that men are nothing but a walking genitalia's? Freud: Id really appreciate if you Voltaire dont oversimplify my theory; it is going to bring me an international fame. Youre right, maybe my theory a bit one-sided, yet its so unconventional youd understand if you were Jew. Hitler: What strikes me the most about you is that you people talk so much about many abstract matters, yet youre being spiritually deprived because you dont feel attached to your countries, youre just a cosmopolites who like to argue for the sake of argument. The ideas of universal equality lead straight to guillotine, and Freud's ideas lead to nowhere. Voltaire: The notion of patriotism is obsolete; I dont see the reasons why people from all over the Earth cant simply unite for the sake of progress?
Hitler: Yes, lets unite and make love to each other! I think Freud would love this idea, although I suspect that he would have to assume passive role Freud: Hitler, youre simple-minded man, you cant grasp the essence of my ideas well to tell you the truth I cant grasp it either, but this is not the point. Important is to realize that humanity is doomed, doomed! Hitler: It isnt doomed, as long as there is a sense of healthy nationalism among people.
If there is even no equality among members of the same nation, how can there be equality among races? Only degenerates are doomed Voltaire: I agree, French are those who will lead the humanity towards ideals of universal brotherhood, French are the most civilized among rest of the nations. Freud: No, Jews are the chosen people we have the moral obligation to be the arbiters when it comes telling people what is right and what is wrong. Voltaire: No French are the best among others.
Hitler: You people now contradict your own beliefs this is what ultimately proves you both being wrong. You have your own practical agendas, yet you wouldnt admit yourselves being just like everybody else, you think youre much better. And this what disgusts me Freud: Shut up Hitler, youre nothing but beer drinking, sausage eating, and shorts wearing kraut. Im going to Hitler: Time has come to end this pointless discussion; with all due respect I need to be leaving you ghosts, as I just have volunteered to share the fate of my fellows countrymen in the trenches of First World War The End Bibliography: Perry, Marvin Western Civilization: A Brief History. 5 th ed.
Toronto: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996
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Research essay sample on Western Civilization History 101
